SCOTLAND is facing a “system-wide crisis” when it comes to support for people with conditions such as ADHD and autism, psychiatrists have said.
Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland (RCPsychiS) is calling on the Scottish Government to take a different approach to support for ADHD and autism.
The college sets out a 10-point plan for change in its new report, Multi-system solutions for meeting the needs of autistic people and people with ADHD in Scotland.
The plan includes national standards for ADHD and autism assessments, a new four-tier service model across all age groups, school and workplace support that does not depend on a formal diagnosis and dedicated funding to improve awareness and reduce stigma.
The document highlights a wider economic impact, estimating the cost of autism to the UK to be more than £40 billion a year.
It estimates untreated ADHD costs about £17bn annually through lost productivity, unemployment and pressure on health and justice services.
Dr Pavan Srireddy, vice-chairman of RCPsychiS, said: “We’re at breaking point because the scale of the problem now goes beyond what any mental health system in the world could deliver.
“It’s a public health emergency which is leaving thousands with NDCs (neurodevelopmental conditions) on waiting lists with their difficulties worsening, while those with more serious conditions can’t get the help they need.
“The stakes are high. People with ADHD are up to five times more likely to die by suicide, while those with autism are nine times at greater risk.
“Left untreated, ADHD can also reduce life expectancy by up to nine years.
“But through our 10-point plan we can change this, and we can be world-leading.
“We know the right support, offered early on in people’s journey, can be life-changing, and that rather than getting stuck, people can move on in their lives and flourish.”
The Scottish Parliament released research in June on waiting lists for assessments for NDCs. There are 65,000 people, including 42,000 children, currently waiting for an assessment.
The research also shows that people are frequently waiting years for a assessment, with waiting times of more than five years reported.
In some areas demand has surged by more than 2000% since 2020.
Carol Stobie from East Lothian discovered her ADHD symptoms at 60. She is currently on a 10-year waiting list for diagnosis.
She said: “The need for psychosocial education, peer support and one-to-one coaching is becoming more urgent and we’re always full because people can often not afford private ADHD coaching or diagnoses.
“New thinking is needed all round on how we manage the increase in those coming forward.
“I know different approaches are being used elsewhere in the world. For example, some of our materials are from the US, where awareness is 20 years ahead of the UK on ADHD.
“People with ADHD are more likely to experience things like addiction and depression and as someone with lived experience of the condition, I know this is something decision-makers must sort out.”
Mental wellbeing minister Tom Arthur said: “I welcome the Royal College of Psychiatry’s report on autism and ADHD support in Scotland.
“Demand exceeds current capacity so, following the May 28 debate, we committed to a cross-party summit. We’re grateful to the college for its work and will now carefully review the report.
“Diagnosis can be important but should not be a barrier to accessing the help and support that an individual needs. That’s why we’re investing £2.5 million in the multi-year Autistic Adult Support Fund to support third-sector organisations to help autistic adults reach their full potential.
“We are also investing an additional £500,000 this year to improve access to support for children, young people and families.”
